Enoshima Island, Enoshima Shrine & Sea Candle Tower

Category: alam | Location: Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture

Rising dramatically out of the azure waters of Sagami Bay and linked to the Katase mainland by the 389-meter Enoshima Benten Bridge, Enoshima is Kanagawa Prefecture's most iconic and romantic coastal island retreat. Since mythical antiquity, this lush 0.38-square-kilometer offshore isle has stood as a hallowed pilgrimage sanctuary dedicated to Benzaiten, the sole goddess among Japan's Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), revered as the patroness of music, performing arts, wealth, and romance. Passing beneath the historic bronze torii gate at the island's base, visitors are drawn into the bustling Benzaiten Nakamise-dori shopping lane framed by aromatic street food stalls and historic inns. Enoshima Shrine (Enoshima Jinja) unfolds across three sacred complexes scaling the island's lush topography: Hetsu-miya at the lower slope, Nakatsu-miya midway up, and Okutsu-miya toward the outer cliffs. Travelers can ascend the scenic forested stone stairways or take the convenient 'Enoshima Escar', Japan's very first outdoor escalator system. At the island's scenic summit lies the Samuel Cocking Garden, crowned by the striking 59.8-meter Enoshima Sea Candle observation lighthouse. From its open-air observation deck situated over 100 meters above sea level, visitors can drink in breathtaking 360-degree vistas spanning Sagami Bay, the Izu Peninsula, and a snow-capped Mount Fuji silhouetted against brilliant Pacific sunsets. Descending the rugged southern cliffs leads to Chigogafuchi rocky shore and the mystical Enoshima Iwaya Caves, carved over millennia by pounding oceanic waves. Carrying traditional handheld candles through the dimly lit cavern passages, visitors discover ancient stone statues and the legendary lair of the five-headed dragon tamed by Benzaiten's benevolence. Culminating with seaside culinary delights such as fresh whitebait bowls (Shirasu-don) and enormous freshly pressed crispy octopus crackers (Tako Senbei), an excursion to Enoshima promises an unforgettable blend of coastal beauty, ancient folklore, and seaside gastronomic pleasure.